Craftsman 486.243231 User manual

Owner's Manual
2 cu. ft. (TOW)
BROADCAST SPREADER
Model No. 486.243231
CAUTION:
Before using this product, read
this manual and follow all
Safety Rules and
Operating Instructions.
IMPORTANT - READ THIS FIRST!!!
For Missing Parts or Assembly Questions
Please Call 217-728-8388
Mon.-Fri. 7 am - 5 pm CST.
FAX [phone] or e-mail [email protected]
Missing parts will be sent UPS in 24 hours directly to your home.
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Parts
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
www.sears.com/craftsman
PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 48674 (11/02)

ACCESSORIES ......................................................... 2
SAFETY RULES ........................................................ 3
FULL SIZE HARDWARE CHART ............................. 4
CARTON CONTENTS ............................................... 5
ASSEMBLY ................................................................ 5
OPERATION .............................................................. 9
MAINTENANCE/STORAGE .................................... 11
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ............................ 12
TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................. 12
REPAIR PARTS ILLUSTRATION .......................... 14
REPAIR PARTS LIST .............................................. 15
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ................. Back Page
LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON
For one year from the date of purchase, when this spreader is maintained and lubricated according to the operating and
maintenance instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair any defect in material or workmanship free of charge.
Ifthis spreader is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase.
This warranty does not cover repairs necessary because of operator negligence or abuse, including the failure to maintain
the equipment according to instructions contained in the owner's manual.
WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY CONTACTING THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT
IN THE UNITED STATES.
This warranty applies only while this product is in the United States.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co. D/817 WA. Hoffman Estates, Chicago, IL 60179
The model number and serial numbers will be found on a
decal attached to the frame.
You should record both the serial number and the date of
purchase and keep in a safe place for future reference.
MODEL NUMBER:
SERIAL NUMBER:
DATE OF PURCHASE:
486.243231
2

Any power equipment can cause injury if operated improperly or if the user does not understand how to operate the
equipment. Exercise caution at all times, when using power equipment.
Read the towing vehicle owners manual and towing
vehicle safety rules. Know how to operate your
tractor before using the broadcast spreader attach-
ment.
Read the chemical label instructions and cautions
for handling and applying the chemicals purchased
for spreading.
Wear eye and hand protection when handling and
when applying lawn or garden chemicals.
Never operate tractor and spreader attachment
without wearing substantial footwear, and do not
allow anyone to ride or sit on spreader attachment
frame.
Never allow children to operate the tractor or
spreader attachment, and do not allow adults to
operate without proper instructions.
Always begin with the transmission in first (low)
gear and with the engine at low speed, and gradu-
ally increase speed as conditions permit. Maximum
towing speed - 10 M.P.H.
When towing broadcast spreader do not drive too
close to a creek or ditch and be alert for holes and
other hazards which could cause you to loose
control of the broadcast spreader and tractor.
Before operating vehicle on any grade (hill) refer to
the safety rules in the vehicle owner's manual
concerning safe operation on slopes. Stay off
steep slopes!
• Follow maintenance and lubrication instructions as
outlined in this manual.
,_ Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It mean--Attention!!
Become alert!! Your safety is involved.
3

SHOWN FULL SIZE
\
/
/
jH
NOT SHOWN FULL SIZE
jQ
jP
KEY
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
QTY. DESCRIPTION
6 Hex Bolt, 1/4-20 x 1-3/4"
2 Hex Bolts, 3/8-16 x 1-1/4"
2 Hex Bolt, 1/4-20 x 3/4"
1 Carriage Bolt, 1/4-20 x 3/4"
8 Hex Lock Nuts, 1/4-20 Thread
2 Hex Lock Nuts, 3/8-16 Thread
2 Lock Washers, 3/8" I.D
4 Nylon Washer
8 Flat Washer, 5/16"
KEY QTY.
J 4
K 1
L 1
M 1
N 2
O 1
P 1
Q 1
R 1
S 1
DESCRIPTION
Flat Washers 1-5/8"
Cotter Pin, 3/32" x 3/4"
Cotter Pin, 1/8 x 1-1/2"
Hair Cotter Pin, 1/8"
Spacers
Nylon Wing Nut
Adjustable Stop
Hitch Pin
Flow Control Link
Grip
4

CARTON CONTENTS
1. Hitch Tube
2. Flow Control Arm
3. Hitch Bracket
4. Flow Control Mount Bracket
5. Braces (2)
1
J
_J
@c3
5. Braces (2)
6. Flow Control Rod
7. Wheels (Drive and Idler)
8. Hopper Assembly
9. Vinyl Cover
Hardware Package (see page 4)
_f3
8
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY • Turn the spreader upside down as shown in figure 1.
(1) Pliers
(2) 7/16" Wrenches
(2) 1/2" Wrenches
(2) 9/16" Wrenches
REMOVAL OF PARTS FROM CARTON
• Remove all parts and hardware packages from the
carton. Lay out all parts and hardware and identify
using the illustrations on pages 4 and 5.
CROSSOVER TUBE SHAFT
SUPPORT
PLATE
FIGURE 1
5

Assemblethetwohitchbracestotheinsideofthe
hopperframe,oneoneachside,usingtwo1/4"x 1-3/
4"hexboltsandtwo1/4"hexlocknuts.DONOT
TIGHTENYET.Seefigure2.
• Removethelocknutfromthemiddleboltinthe
crossovertubeandshaftsupportplate.Leavethe
boltinplace.Seefigure2.
• Assembletheshortendofthehitchtubeontothe
middleboltandsecureitwiththelocknutyou
removed.DONOTTIGHTENYET.Seefigure2.
IMPORTANT:Thehitchtubemustattachtothesideof
thecrossovertubeoppositetheshaftsupportplate.
• Assemblethetwohitchbracestothehitchtubeusing
a1/4"x1-3/4"hexboltanda1/4"hexlocknut.DO
NOTTIGHTENYET.Seefigure2.
½
MIDDLE BOLT
HITCH
TUBE
SHAFT
SUPPORT
PLATE CROSSOVER
TUBE
tMIDDLE
LOCK NUT
1_"xl-3/4" I_"HEX
HEXBOLT LOCK NUT
H_CH BRACE HITCH BRACE
FIGURE 2
Tighten the nuts and bolts fastening the hitch braces
to the hopper frame and the hitch tube, then tighten
the middle lock nut fastening the hitch tube to the
crossover tube. DO NOT COLLAPSE TUBES WHEN
TIGHTENING.
Assemble a spacer and a 1-5/8" flat washer onto the
end of the axle that has the small hole. See figure 3.
Place a wheel (air valve facing out) and then one or
two 1-5/8" flat washers onto the axle. Install the 1/8"
x 1-1/2" cotter pin into the axle. The wheel must spin
freely. See figure 3.
SPACER
SMALL HOLE
1-5/8" DIA.
FLAT WASHER
1/8" x 1-1/2"
COTTER PIN
1-5/8" DIA.
FLAT WASHER
AIR VALVE
FIGURE 3
• Assemble a spacer and a 1-5/8" flat washer onto the
end of the axle that has the large hole. See figure 4.
• Place a wheel (air valve facing out) onto the axle.
Secure the wheel to the axle with a 1/4" x 1-3/4" hex
bolt and a 1/4" hex lock nut. See figure 4.
1-5/8" DIA.
1/4"x 1-3/4" FLAT WASHER
HEX BOLT
AIR VALVE /SPACER
/
I
®
1/4" HEX
LOCKNUT
FIGURE 4
6

Turnthespreaderuprightonitswheels.
Assemblethehitchbrackettothetopofthehitch
tubeusingtwo3/8"x 1-1/4"hexbolts,3/8"lock
washersand3/8"hexlocknuts.Seefigure5.
Assemblethehitchpinthroughthehitchbracketand
thehitchtubeandsecurewiththehaircotterpin.See
figure5.
HITCH PIN
3/8" LOCK
3/8" HEX
LOCK NUT
HAIR COTTER PIN
FIGURE 5
Assemble the flow control link (end with small hole)
to the flow control arm using a 1/4" x 3/4" hex bolt, a
nylon washer and a 1/4" hex lock nut as shown in
figure 6. Tighten carefully. The flow control link
should not be loose but should pivot with no more
than slight resistance.
FLOW CONTROL
LINK
1/4" x 3/4"
HEX BOLT
FLOW
CONTROL
ARM
1/4" HEX
LOCK NUT
SMALLEST
HOLE
NYLON
WASHER
FIGURE 6
• Assemble the flow control arm to the flow control
mounting bracket using a 1/4" x 3/4" hex bolt, two
nylon washers and a 1/4" hex lock nut as shown in
figure 7. Tighten carefully. The flow control arm
should not be loose but should pivot with no more
than a slight resistance.
• Place the vinyl grip onto the flow control arm. See
figure 7.
VINYL GRIP
FLOW
CONTROL
ARM
FLOW CONTROL
MOUNTING
BRACKET
1/4" x 3/4"
HEX BOLT
I_"HEX
LOCKNUT
(2) NYLON
WASHERS
FIGURE 7
Place a 5/16" flat washer onto the end of the flow
control rod. Insert the end of the rod through the slot
in the flow control mounting bracket and through the
hole in the flow control link. Secure with a 3/32" x 3/4"
cotter pin. See figure 8.
5/16" FLAT
WASHER
3132"
COTTER
PIN
FLOW
CONTROL
ROD\SLOT
FLOW
CONTROL
LINK
FIGURE 8
7

• Hook the free end of the flow control rod through the
hole in the slide gate bracket located near the bottom
of the hopper. See figure 9.
HOPPER
/
SLIDE GATE
BRACKET
FLOW CONTROL ROD
FIGURE 9
Assemble the flow control mounting bracket to the
hitch tube using two 1/4" x 1-3/4" hex bolts, six 5/16"
flat washers and two 1/4" hex lock nuts as shown in
figure 10. Do not tighten at this time.
FLOW CONTROL
MOUNTING BRACKET
1_"xl-3/4"
HEX BOLT\
5/16"FLAT
WASHER
5/16"FLAT /
WASHER
I_"HEX
LOCK NUT
FIGURE 10
Place the adjustable stop into the "ON" end of the
slot in the top of the flow control mounting bracket.
Secure with the 1/4" x 3/4" carriage bolt, a nylon
washer, a 5/16" flat washer and the nylon wing nut.
See figure 11.
NYLON
WING NUT
5/16"FLAT _'_"_
WASHER
NYLON
WASHER
1_"x3/4" ADJUSTABLE
CARRIAGE BOLT STOP
FIGURE 11
Position the flow control mounting bracket (figure 12)
a. Push on flow control arm until it locks in "OFF"
position.
b. Slide flow control mounting bracket along tube
until closure plate in bottom of hopper just closes.
c. Snug the 1/4" lock nuts just enough to hold flow
control mounting bracket in place.
d. Set adjustable stop at "5". Pull flow control arm
against stop. Verify that closure plate has
opened half way.
e. If closure plate is not open half way, adjust
position of flow control mounting bracket until
closure plate is open half way at "5" and closed
when arm is locked in "OFF". Tighten 1/4" lock
nuts.
ON _FF
FLOW
CONTROL
ARM
AJDUSTABLE
STOP
SETTING"5"
FIGURE 12
8

KNOW YOUR SPREADER
Read this owner's manual and safety rules before operating your spreader.
Compare the illustration below with your spreader to familiarize yourself with the various controls and their locations.
SPREADER PLATE
(IMPELLER)
FLOW CONTROL ARM
CLOSURE PLATE
ADJUSTABLE
STOP
FLOW CONTROL ARM - Opens and closes the closure
plate in the bottom of the hopper.
ADJUSTABLE STOP - Limits how far the closure plate
opens.
CLOSURE PLATE - Slides to open or close the opening
in the bottom of the hopper.
SPREADER PLATE - Spins when spreader is in motion
to disperse the material in an even pattern.
HOW TO USE YOUR SPREADER
SETTING THE FLOW CONTROL
(Refer to figure 12 on page 8.)
• Loosen the nylon wing nut, set the adjustable stop to
the desired flow rate setting and retighten the wing
nut. The higher the setting number, the wider the
opening in the bottom of the hopper.
• Refer to the application chart on page 10 and to the
instructions on the fertilizer bag to select the proper
flow rate setting.
• Pull the flow control arm against the adjustable stop
for the on position and toward the hopper for the off
position.
USING YOUR SPREADER
We do not recommend the use of any powdered lawn
chemicals, due to difficulty in obtaining a satisfactory or
consistent broadcast pattern.
• Determine approximate square footage of area to be
covered and estimate amount of material required.
• Before filling the hopper make sure the flow control
arm is in the off position and the closure plate is shut.
• Break up any lumpy fertilizer as you fill the hopper.
• Set the adjustable stop with the flow control arm still
in the off position. Refer to the application chart on
page 10 and to the instructions on the fertilizer bag to
select the proper flow rate setting.
• The application chart is calculated for light to heavy
application at a vehicle speed of 3 mph, or 100 ft. in
23 seconds. A variation in speed will require an
adjustment of the flow rate to maintain the same
coverage. The faster you drive, the wider the broad-
cast width.
• Always start the tractor in motion before opening
closure plate.
• Always shut the closure plate before turning or
stopping the tractor.
9

Iffertilizerisaccidentallydepositedtooheavilyina
smallarea,soaktheareathoroughlywithagarden
hoseorsprinklertopreventburningofthelawn.
Toinsureuniformcoverage,makeeachpasssothat
thebroadcastpatternslightlyoverlapsthepattern
fromthepreviouspassasshowninfigure13.The
approximatebroadcastwidthsfordifferentmaterials
areshownintheapplicationchartonthispage.
REFER [
TO ,
CHARTS \\
7OVERLAP
I
I
I
t\\
IMPORTANT: Application rates shown in the chart are
affected by humidity and by the moisture content of
the material (granular and pellet). Some minor setting
adjustments may be necessary to compensate for
this condition.
APPLICATION CHART(SHIELD UP)
TYPE
MATERIAL
FERTILIZER
Powder
Granular
Pelleted
Organic
GRASS SEED
Fine
Coarse
ICE MELTER
SPREAD
FLOW SETTING WIDTH
3-5 3'-4'
3-5 8'-10'
3-5 10'-12'
6-8 6'-8'
3-4 6'-7'
4-5 8'-9'
6-8 10'-12'
)PERATING SPEED - 3 MPH. (100 ft. in 23 seconds
FIGURE 13
•When broadcasting weed control fertilizers, make
sure the broadcast pattern does not hit evergreen
trees, flowers or shrubs.
• Heavy moisture conditions may require a cover over
the hopper to keep contents dry. The vinyl cover
(shown in figure 14) acts as a wind and moisture
shield, but not as a rain cover.
VINYL COVER ",,_,
FIGURE 14
10

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Fill in dates as you
complete regular service.
Check for loose fasteners
Check for worn or damaged parts
Check tire inflation
Cleaning
Lubricate
Read and follow the maintenance schedule and the maintenance procedures listed in this section.
_'_'_.4_7_7 ServiceDates
X
X X
XX X
X X
CHECK FOR LOOSE FASTENERS
• Before each use make a thorough visual check of
the spreader for any bolts and nuts which may
have loosened. Retighten any loose bolts and nuts.
CHECK FOR WORN OF DAMAGED PARTS
• Check for worn or damaged parts before each use.
Repair or replace parts if necessary.
CHECK TIRE INFLATION
• Check if tires are adequately inflated before each
use. Do not inflate beyond maximum recommended
pressure.
,_ CAUTION: DO NOT inflate tires
beyond the maximum recommended
pressure printed on side of tire.
CLEANING
• Rinse inside of hopper and exterior of spreader and
dry off before storing.
LUBRICATE (See figure 15.)
•Lightly apply automotive grease as needed to the
sprocket and gear.
• Oil the nylon bushings on the vertical sprocket shaft
and on the axle at least once a year, or more often as
needed.
• Oil right hand (idler) wheel bearing at least once a
year or more often as needed.
FIGURE 15
GREASE
STORAGE
• Rinse inside of hopper and exterior of spreader and
dry off before storing.
• Store in a clean, dry area.
11

If the axle, slotted gear and sprocket assembly is
disassembled, mark down the positions of the parts
as they are removed. The drive wheel and sprocket
positions in relation to the slotted gear determine
which direction the spreader plate will spin. Be sure
to reassemble them in their original positions. (Refer
to figure 4 on page 6.) Use shim washers (Ref. no.
21 on pages 14 and 15) as needed for minimum
backlash. Add grease to gear and sprocket.
If the agitator wire becomes damaged or worn it can
be replaced. Loosen the 3/8" hex nut on top of
sprocket shaft until agitator wire is free. Remove old
agitator wire from hole in agitator sleeve and replace
with new agitator wire. Position agitator wire so that
sprocket shaft turns freely, then tighten 3/8" hex nut
on top of sprocket shaft. See figure 16.
SPROCKET J
SHAFT
HEX NUT
AGITATOR
WIRE
AGITATOR
SLEEVE
FIGURE 16
PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION
Flow rate is not accurate. . Flow controls out of adjustment. 1. Adjust the flow control bracket as
described at the end of page 8.
Material will not flow out of bottom of 1. Closure plate in bottom of 1. Change the flow control setting
hopper properly, hopper is not open enough, to match the application chart.
2. Material is clumping at bottom 2. a. Stir or sift to break up clumps.
of hopper, b. Wait for drier weather.
12

NOTES
13

REPAIR PARTS FOR MODEL 486.243231
16
37
40
II
I
J
5O
58
\
24 23
\
49
5O
43
5O
16
20 21 22
37
37
58
39
14

REPAIR PARTS FOR MODEL 486.243231
REF.
NO.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
PART
NO.
44466
43882
62482
44462
23753
23758
43082
24857
43013
43808
43084
43086
43064
44487
46055
44457
23687
25017
43851
43871
1540-032
1540-162
47615
48665
23524
04367
43850
44468
44285
23766
43878
;ITY. DESCRIPTION REF. PART CITY
NO. NO.
1 Hopper 32 43070 3
4 Rivet, Stainless 33 41576 2
1 Ass'y, Guide Closure 34 44469 1
1 Tube, Frame 35 23525 2
1 Slide Gate Angle Bracket 36 23762 1
1 Slide Gate Bracket 37 1509-069 12
5 Nut, Hex Lock 3/8-16 Thd.* 38 43015 1
1 Flow Control Link 39 1543-069 10
16 Nut, Hex Lock 1/4-20 Thd. * 40 43088 13
1 Tube, Crossover 41 24858 1
2 Bolt, Hex 5/16-18 x 1-3/4" Lg. 42 24855 1
2 Lock Washer, 5/16" 43 62474 1
2 Nut, Hex Lock, 5/16-18 Thd. * 44 24859 1
1 Tube, Hitch 45 44101 1
1 Pin, Spring 1/8" Dia. x 1" Lg. 46 23533 1
2 Wheel, Drive 47 43848 1
1 Bracket, Hitch 48 43087 2
1 Shaft, Axle 49 43093 1
2 Pin, Spring 3/16" Dia. x 1-1/4" Lg. 50 43009 4
1 Bushing, Axle Shaft 51 47141 1
5 Washer, Flat .78 I.D. 52 43054 1
1 Washer, Flat 1/2" 53 43003 3
2 Bearing, Flange 54 R19111116 8
2 Tube, Spacer 55 23353 1
1 Shaft, Sprocket 56 43343 1
1 Spreader Plate 57 44566 1
1 Pin, Spring 1/8" Dia. x 5/8" Lg. 58 43012 3
1 Sprocket, 6 Tooth 59 44950 1
2 Bushing, Delrin 60 43962 1
1 Sleeve, Agitator 48674 1
1 Wire, Agitator
DESCRIPTION
Washer, Flat 3/8" *
Bolt, Hex 3/8-16 x 1-3/4" Lg.*
Rod, Flow Control
Brace, Hitch
Shaft Support Plate
Bolt, Hex 1/4-20 x 1-3/4"
Nut, Hex 3/8-16
Washer, Nylon
Washer, Flat 1/4" Std.
Stop, Adjustable
Bracket, Flow Control Mount
Gear Assembly
Flow Control Arm
Cotter Pin 3/32" x 3/4" Lg.*
Plate, Closure
Grip, Flow Control Arm
Bolt, Hex 3/8-16 x 1-1/4" Lg. *
Pin, Cotter 1/8" x 1-1/2"
Washer, Flat 1-5/8" O.D.
Wing Nut, Nylon
Bolt, Hex 3/8-16 x 2" Lg. *
Lock Washer, 3/8" *
Washer, 5/16 SAE
Hitch Pin
Hair Cotter Pin, 1/8"
Spring, Torsion
Bolt, Hex 1/4-20 x 3/4" Lg.*
Bolt, Carriage 1/4-20 x 3/4" Lg.
Vinyl Cover
Owner's Manual
15

Get it fixed, at your home or ours!
For repair of major brand appliances in your own home...
no matter who made it, no matter who sold it!
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(1-800-469-4663)
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To bring in products such as vacuums, lawn equipment and electronics
for repair, call for the location of your nearest Sears Parts & Repair Center.
1-800-488-1222 Anyt,me, day or n,ght
www.sears.com
For the replacement parts, accessories and owner's manuals
that you need to do-it-yourself, call Sears PartsDirect sM!
1-800-366-PART 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. CST,
(1-800-366-7278) 7 days a week
www.sears.com/partsdirect
To purchase or inquire about a Sears Service Agreement:
1-800-827-6655
7 a.m. - 5 p.m. CST, Mon.- Sat.
Para pedtr servtcto de reparacion a domtc_lio,
y para ordenar plezas con entrega adOmlclhO'
1-888-SU-HOGAR sM
(1-888-784-6427)
Au Canada pour service en fran£ats
1-877-LE-FOYER sM
[ SE IARS }
HomeCentral_'
(1-877-533-6937)
E Registered Trademark /TMTrademark of Sears Roebuck and Co
,_ Sears Roebuck and Co P Marca RegJstrada /"_ Marca de Fabnca de Sears Roebuck and Co